Iranian Recipe: Chicken Kebab

*Joujeh Kabab* is barbecued chicken with olive oil, tomatoes and saffron.

*Joujeh* in Farsi/Persian means Chicken. So *Joujeh Kabab* means chicken Kebab.

Since the cuisine is barbecued and not fried, it’s considered as very healthy food. It’s also good for those who have diet limitations for eatting red meat.

This is a formal cuisine that can be served for guests too.

Ingredients: (4 servings)

♥ 1 kg  boneless and skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1 inch chunks

♥ 2 large onions, coarsely chopped

♥ 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil

♥ 1/2 cup lemon juice

♥ 1 cup cilantro, chopped (optional)

♥ 1 cup parsley, chopped (optional)

♥ 1/2 teaspoon saffron, crushed and mixed in hot water until dissolved

♥ 4 medium tomatos

♥ 1 egg, yolk only

♥ Salt and black pepper

Directions:

Prepare marinade: mix olive oil, grated onions, cilantro, parsley, saffron, salt and black pepper. Wash and cut chicken into small pieces, then remove the skin. Marinate overnight (or at least for several hours) in refrigerator. The container should be covered.

Mix the egg yolk with saffron and stir untill it be smooth and set it aside.

Thread chicken on long, thin metal skewers. Thread leg and thigh pieces, wings and breast pieces separately, as breast requires slightly less cooking.  Brush with marinade and then brush them with the yolk-saffron combination.

Thread whole tomatoes separately on another skewer.

Barbeque for about 5-10 minutes on each side, turning frequently. Joojeh Kabab can also be prepared in the oven. Prepare chicken as before, pre-heat the grill to a high temperature, and place just under the grill, again turning frequently. Serve hot with basmati rice or on middle-eastern bread.